AI's Impact on Publishing

The integration of AI within Hong Kong's publishing sector is rapidly increasing. A 2023 report by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) reveals that 41% of companies are harnessing AI, with 32% implementing it across diverse functions like marketing and customer service. This technological advancement is proving invaluable, especially in automating labor-intensive tasks such as proofreading, translation, illustration, and social media marketing. In a competitive landscape, such efficiencies allow publishers to significantly cut costs and improve turnaround times for bilingual content.

AI not only boosts operational efficiency but also enhances the quality of content creation and editing processes, allowing publishers to meet the ever-growing demand for personalized and timely materials.

Pioneering Innovations

One standout player in this AI-driven revolution is DCG Mirage, a subsidiary of the tech giant DCG. At the prestigious 2025 Greater Bay Area Publishing Conference, DCG unveiled "WhatsBook," a suite of advanced AI tools designed for proofreading, audiobook production, social media marketing, and influencer video content. This innovation follows the successful launch of "BooksGPT," a proprietary large language model capable of empowering content production and marketing tailored for the publishing industry in China.

DCG CEO Shi Qiming highlighted the transformative potential of AI, stating, “Our innovation strategy prioritizes high technology, efficiency, and quality. By leveraging AI, we aim to optimize operational processes, enabling publishers to keep pace with the demand for swift and customized content.”

The AI Proofreading service introduced at the conference stands out for its capability to handle traditional and simplified Chinese, as well as English, achieving over 70% accuracy in identifying grammatical errors, which makes it a leader in this domain.

Revolutionizing Reader Engagement

AI's role extends beyond production efficiency into reader interaction and marketing. A 2024 Nielsen Book survey revealed that AI-driven recommendations now account for roughly 35% of online book sales in Hong Kong, underscoring the technology's effectiveness in crafting targeted marketing strategies. Publishers are leveraging AI to sift through vast amounts of reader data, enabling tailored content and promotional campaigns aimed at specific demographics.

Additionally, WhatsBook's AI-driven short video service empowers users to generate engaging video content, aligning with the explosive growth of video marketing on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This shift toward multimedia content marks a crucial evolution in how books are promoted and consumed.

Navigating Ethical Dilemmas

Despite the promising benefits of AI, significant ethical concerns remain. The Greater Bay Area Publishing Conference spotlighted issues surrounding the authenticity and potential biases in AI-generated content. There are legitimate worries over the future roles of human editors and writers, prompting discussions about whether AI can replicate the nuanced insights and creativity that professionals bring.

Experts like Professor Hao Zhensheng from the China Editors Association emphasize the need for a balanced approach, combining the efficiency of AI with the irreplaceable creativity of human talent.

A Bright Future Ahead

Looking forward, the outlook for AI in Hong Kong’s publishing industry is encouraging. As AI capabilities expand, publishers will continue to adopt these innovations, not merely as a trend but as an essential aspect of industry transformation. From content development and marketing to reader engagement and distribution, AI is poised to redefine every facet of the publishing journey.

With Hong Kong embracing this AI-enhanced future, the city is set to solidify its status as a pivotal player in the global publishing arena, leading the next chapter of this revolutionary shift. As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for the publishing sector are limitless, promising an exciting evolution in how stories are crafted, marketed, and delivered to readers everywhere.